Ballon d'Or Power Rankings 2023: Mbappe Becomes New No. 1 As World Cup Shakes Up The Contenders
There have been minor changes to the Ballon d'Or since 2022 which may change your view on who should win the award. Traditionally, the Ballon d'Or is presented to the best player over a 12-month period from January to December. Still, this already changed to the award based on the previous season last year. For example, this is the period from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022.
Congratulations on Karim Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or, then another is truly heating up. Indeed, the game of the best is already staking early claims to win next year's vote. It promises to be a unique Ballon d'Or, with the World Cup taking place in the middle of the 2022-23 season, meaning it might be a distant memory by the time voters are cast in just under 12 months' time.
There's no doubt, however, that playing a starring role in Qatar will boost a player's chances of competing for the Golden Ball, so, as we again track the race with our Ballon d'Or Power Rankings, we must keep the potential for a tournament-defining performance in mind. Who. then, has put themselves in the frame with their performances in the early part of the season, and who has some catching up to do?
Let's join us as our 12-month Ballon d'Or Power Ranking journey continues!
In 2022-23: Six goals, one assist. Won UEFA Super Cup.
We hope Benzema can get out of the injury storm and show his best performance in the second half of last season so that he could remain himself in the Ballon d'Or running. In fact, Benzema's chances of 2022 winner look slim when he was ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar.
In 2022-23: Eight goals, three assists.
Foden has always full potential to become one of the biggest stars. But he hasn't featured enough in a long journey. So, it's no surprise that he hasn't still proven his competence in the tournament in Qatar.
In 2022-23: Eight goals, four assists.
Uruguay is now struggling to seek their opportunity in this tournament, but Valverde actually proved his place as one of world football's best midfielders with a dominant display against South Korea. But he is considered to have more opportunities to be nominated for a Ballon d'Or with Real Madrid than in this World Cup tournament.
In 2022-23: Eight goals, 10 assists.
Rafael left fans in awe when he managed to make a significant impact in the opening match against Ghana, scoring within two minutes of coming in as a sub.
In 2022-23: 14 goals, five assists.
Harry Kane has been struggling in finding a place standing with the greatest players for years. Some people advise him to leave Tottenham Hospurs to win some titles he deserves.
In 2022-23: Three goals.
Golden boy Pedri has been a must-watch player at this World Cup. If Spain goes far in the next stage, the 20-year-old will have a big advantage in the Ballon d'Or running.
In 2022-23: Seven goals, four assists.
From club to national team, it can be a huge difference in performance, that amazing Kevin de Bruyne is an example. Richarlison hasn't been considered to have a bad performance in the tournament, but he must save his chance to be a real force in Ballon d'Or running.
In 2022-23: 10 goals, four assists.
Shining in the World Cup opener, some people understand why he was one of the youngest worth-watch players in this tournament. If he keeps doing well with goals and assists in Qatar, he will have his first d'Or nomination.
In 2022-23: 16 goals, 18 assists. Won Johan Cruyff Shield.
Before coming to Qatar, it might be a surprise when Cody Gakpo gains this position on the list. But he actually had his superb start to the season at PSV, the World Cup promise to give Gakpo the opportunity to introduce himself to the global audience.
In 2022-23: Seven goals, seven assists.
Alongside Pedri, and Jude Bellingham, Saka is also young talent set to be the face of Arsenal's fine season when it comes to the Ballon d'Or race.
In 2022-23: 12 goals, 12 assists. Won DFB-Supercup.
Although Germany has been struggling to find a place in the next round of this World Cup, Musiala has shown hints of his talent.
But even with their league ending early, his form at Bayern is so good that he could still be among those considered for the Ballon d'Or at the end of 2023.
In 2022-23: 10 goals, 11 assists.
Georgia's failure to qualify for the World Cup is clearly a blow to his Ballon d'Or hopes, but at least he now has a few extra weeks off to get back in good condition for the second half of the season.
In 2022-23: 16 goals, five assists. Won Community Shield.
Salar is another player who was qualified for this World Cup. However, Salah has rediscovered his best form over the past few months, with the Egyptian's goals only giving Liverpool the lead after a poor run of form. He might not at the World Cup, but he could still have his say in the Ballon d'Or race.
In 2022-23: Four goals, 14 assists.
One of the most disappointing players at the World Cup to date, De Bruyne has struggled to control games as he often does for Manchester City.
Belgium was slow in both possession and possession, and their great midfielder was complicit in that and misplaced several key passes.
In 2022-23: 10 goals, eight assists. Won UEFA Super Cup.
Vinicius is a key left wing of both his club and national team. He already gave Richarlison an assist for his spectacular goal against Serbia.
With Neymar sidelined for the next game or two, all eyes will be on the winger in his absence, just as he did at the club level this season with Karim Benzema injured.
In 2022-23: 19 goals, six assists.
It's a surprise that Lewy just scored his first goal for his national team at a World Cup, though he has scored over 500 in all competitions.
In 2022-23: 24 goals, three assists.
Erling Haaland couldn't attend the biggest football event, but the Manchester City star still has been a scoring machine in all club's competitions.
With his talent, Haaland can certainly win the Ballon d'Or without attending the World Cup, but we won't know until the end of the tournament how difficult the task can be in the year 2023.
In 2022-23: 16 goals, 14 assists. Won Trophee des Champions.
When Neymar sat on Brazil's bench after being substituted against Serbia, emotions took over. Perhaps his last chance to win the World Cup is about to be terminated by injury?
The good news is that while he is set to miss one or two games, he should be back for the knockout stages, and if he can replicate the form he has shown at the club level this season in the latter stages, then he should be well in the Ballon d'Or conversation heading into the new year.
In 2022-23: 19 goals, 16 assists. Won Trophee des Champions.
The World Cup group stage means much easier for Messi and Argentina than it has been in the past, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is key to keeping their hopes alive.
His stunning strike against Mexico was another example of what he is still capable of creating, and if they can get the job done against Poland on Wednesday, all possibilities will be lost. canceled when Alibiceleste could go far in Qatar.
In 2022-23: 23 goals, six assists.
The standout player at the World Cup to date, Mbappe has bolstered the injured France team in an important way to cement their status as one of the tournament's favorites.
He is a leading contender for the Golden Shoe in Qatar, and if his goals help Les Bleus secure their crown, it will be difficult to look past Mbappe as a potential Ballon d'Or winner.
Congratulations on Karim Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or, then another is truly heating up. Indeed, the game of the best is already staking early claims to win next year's vote. It promises to be a unique Ballon d'Or, with the World Cup taking place in the middle of the 2022-23 season, meaning it might be a distant memory by the time voters are cast in just under 12 months' time.
There's no doubt, however, that playing a starring role in Qatar will boost a player's chances of competing for the Golden Ball, so, as we again track the race with our Ballon d'Or Power Rankings, we must keep the potential for a tournament-defining performance in mind. Who. then, has put themselves in the frame with their performances in the early part of the season, and who has some catching up to do?
Let's join us as our 12-month Ballon d'Or Power Ranking journey continues!
#20 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Six goals, one assist. Won UEFA Super Cup.
We hope Benzema can get out of the injury storm and show his best performance in the second half of last season so that he could remain himself in the Ballon d'Or running. In fact, Benzema's chances of 2022 winner look slim when he was ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar.
#19 Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Eight goals, three assists.
Foden has always full potential to become one of the biggest stars. But he hasn't featured enough in a long journey. So, it's no surprise that he hasn't still proven his competence in the tournament in Qatar.
#18 Fede Valverde (Real Madrid)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Eight goals, four assists.
Uruguay is now struggling to seek their opportunity in this tournament, but Valverde actually proved his place as one of world football's best midfielders with a dominant display against South Korea. But he is considered to have more opportunities to be nominated for a Ballon d'Or with Real Madrid than in this World Cup tournament.
#17 Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Eight goals, 10 assists.
Rafael left fans in awe when he managed to make a significant impact in the opening match against Ghana, scoring within two minutes of coming in as a sub.
#16 Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 14 goals, five assists.
Harry Kane has been struggling in finding a place standing with the greatest players for years. Some people advise him to leave Tottenham Hospurs to win some titles he deserves.
#15 Pedri (Barcelona)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Three goals.
Golden boy Pedri has been a must-watch player at this World Cup. If Spain goes far in the next stage, the 20-year-old will have a big advantage in the Ballon d'Or running.
#14 Richarlison (Tottenham)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Seven goals, four assists.
From club to national team, it can be a huge difference in performance, that amazing Kevin de Bruyne is an example. Richarlison hasn't been considered to have a bad performance in the tournament, but he must save his chance to be a real force in Ballon d'Or running.
#13 Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 10 goals, four assists.
Shining in the World Cup opener, some people understand why he was one of the youngest worth-watch players in this tournament. If he keeps doing well with goals and assists in Qatar, he will have his first d'Or nomination.
#12 Cody Gakpo (PSV)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 16 goals, 18 assists. Won Johan Cruyff Shield.
Before coming to Qatar, it might be a surprise when Cody Gakpo gains this position on the list. But he actually had his superb start to the season at PSV, the World Cup promise to give Gakpo the opportunity to introduce himself to the global audience.
#11 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Seven goals, seven assists.
Alongside Pedri, and Jude Bellingham, Saka is also young talent set to be the face of Arsenal's fine season when it comes to the Ballon d'Or race.
#10 Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 12 goals, 12 assists. Won DFB-Supercup.
Although Germany has been struggling to find a place in the next round of this World Cup, Musiala has shown hints of his talent.
But even with their league ending early, his form at Bayern is so good that he could still be among those considered for the Ballon d'Or at the end of 2023.
#9 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 10 goals, 11 assists.
Georgia's failure to qualify for the World Cup is clearly a blow to his Ballon d'Or hopes, but at least he now has a few extra weeks off to get back in good condition for the second half of the season.
#8 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 16 goals, five assists. Won Community Shield.
Salar is another player who was qualified for this World Cup. However, Salah has rediscovered his best form over the past few months, with the Egyptian's goals only giving Liverpool the lead after a poor run of form. He might not at the World Cup, but he could still have his say in the Ballon d'Or race.
#7 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: Four goals, 14 assists.
One of the most disappointing players at the World Cup to date, De Bruyne has struggled to control games as he often does for Manchester City.
Belgium was slow in both possession and possession, and their great midfielder was complicit in that and misplaced several key passes.
#6 Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 10 goals, eight assists. Won UEFA Super Cup.
Vinicius is a key left wing of both his club and national team. He already gave Richarlison an assist for his spectacular goal against Serbia.
With Neymar sidelined for the next game or two, all eyes will be on the winger in his absence, just as he did at the club level this season with Karim Benzema injured.
#5 Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 19 goals, six assists.
It's a surprise that Lewy just scored his first goal for his national team at a World Cup, though he has scored over 500 in all competitions.
#4 Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 24 goals, three assists.
Erling Haaland couldn't attend the biggest football event, but the Manchester City star still has been a scoring machine in all club's competitions.
With his talent, Haaland can certainly win the Ballon d'Or without attending the World Cup, but we won't know until the end of the tournament how difficult the task can be in the year 2023.
#3 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 16 goals, 14 assists. Won Trophee des Champions.
When Neymar sat on Brazil's bench after being substituted against Serbia, emotions took over. Perhaps his last chance to win the World Cup is about to be terminated by injury?
The good news is that while he is set to miss one or two games, he should be back for the knockout stages, and if he can replicate the form he has shown at the club level this season in the latter stages, then he should be well in the Ballon d'Or conversation heading into the new year.
#2 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 19 goals, 16 assists. Won Trophee des Champions.
The World Cup group stage means much easier for Messi and Argentina than it has been in the past, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is key to keeping their hopes alive.
His stunning strike against Mexico was another example of what he is still capable of creating, and if they can get the job done against Poland on Wednesday, all possibilities will be lost. canceled when Alibiceleste could go far in Qatar.
#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Source: Gettyimages/ Goal
In 2022-23: 23 goals, six assists.
The standout player at the World Cup to date, Mbappe has bolstered the injured France team in an important way to cement their status as one of the tournament's favorites.
He is a leading contender for the Golden Shoe in Qatar, and if his goals help Les Bleus secure their crown, it will be difficult to look past Mbappe as a potential Ballon d'Or winner.
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